E352 – Calcium Malates: Function & Safety
E352 is the EU designation for calcium malates, food additives used as acidity regulators and firming agents to stabilize pH and texture in processed foods.
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E352 is the EU designation for calcium malates, food additives used as acidity regulators and firming agents to stabilize pH and texture in processed foods.
What is E352?
E352 is the European Union code for calcium malates, which are calcium salts of malic acid (E296). The designation covers two related compounds: calcium malate (E352i) and calcium hydrogen malate (E352ii). These substances occur naturally in many fruits and can also be produced synthetically for use in food processing.
Function and Application
Calcium malates serve several technological purposes in food production:
- Acidity regulator: They help control and stabilize the pH of food products, influencing taste, shelf life, and microbial safety.
- Firming agent: The calcium ions interact with the cell walls of plant-based foods, helping to maintain the firmness and texture of processed fruits and vegetables.
- Antioxidant support: They can help slow down oxidative processes in foods, contributing to freshness and stability.
Common applications include canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, beverages, baked goods, and confectionery products.
Safety and Tolerability
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed calcium malates as safe for use in food. No specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been established, as no safety concerns were identified at the levels typically used in food. Calcium malates are generally considered well tolerated. However, very high calcium intake from any source may cause digestive discomfort, including bloating or nausea.
Calcium Malate as a Nutrient Source
In addition to their technological role, calcium malates contribute calcium to the diet -- an essential mineral required for bone and tooth formation, muscle function, and nerve signal transmission. In some dietary supplements, calcium malate is specifically chosen as a highly bioavailable form of calcium, as malic acid may enhance intestinal absorption.
Labelling
Foods containing E352 must declare this additive in the ingredient list, either by its code E352 or by its name calcium malate or calcium malates, in accordance with EU food labelling regulations.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of malic acid (E 296) and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2013.
- European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
- Shils, M.E. et al.: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012.
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Related search terms: E352 + Calcium malate + Calcium malates